Are you craving a delicious, moist slice of pumpkin bread but want to make it healthier and more flavorful? Introducing our Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Apple Sauce, where we replace traditional fats with the natural sweetness and moisture of apple sauce. This recipe not only reduces the calorie count but also adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully. Here's how you can bake this delightful treat in five easy steps.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
To begin, ensure you have all the ingredients at hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1⁄2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1⁄4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1⁄4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1⁄4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree
- 1⁄2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1⁄2 cup of vegetable oil or melted butter (for a richer texture, but optional)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating:
- Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, and then line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread after baking.
Step 3: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s mix our ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This step ensures an even distribution of your spices and leavening agents.
Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate, larger bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, applesauce, eggs, sugar, vegetable oil (if using), and vanilla extract. Whisk or beat until well combined.
- Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture with a spatula until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread.
Step 4: Bake the Pumpkin Bread
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
The applesauce will ensure the bread remains moist without being too heavy or overly sweet.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve when it’s cool enough to handle. This bread is perfect warm, with a smear of butter, or even plain.
🍎 Note: For a healthier twist, you can substitute half of the granulated sugar with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup.
In following this pumpkin bread recipe with apple sauce, you've embraced a healthier option that still delivers on taste and texture. Apple sauce not only adds moisture but also a subtle sweetness that enhances the pumpkin flavor without the need for as much fat. This bread is perfect for fall gatherings, morning breakfasts, or as a comforting snack. The combination of spices gives it a rich, warm flavor that is sure to evoke cozy autumn vibes. Enjoy this delightful treat and share it with friends and family to spread the joy of homemade baking.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
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Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree. Just make sure to remove excess moisture by straining it or lightly cook it to evaporate some of the liquid. The consistency should be similar to canned puree.
What if I don’t have applesauce?
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You can substitute applesauce with mashed bananas or even pureed carrots for similar moisture and sweetness. However, it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
How long does pumpkin bread last?
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Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, pumpkin bread can last up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
